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Understanding Your Rights for Flight Delays and Cancellations in the UK

As a UK consumer, you have legal protections when your flight is delayed or cancelled. The EU regulation 261/2004, also known as the Denied Boarding Regulation, sets out the compensation you're entitled to receive in these situations. Knowing your rights and the proper steps to take can help you successfully claim the compensation you deserve.

When Are You Eligible for Compensation?

Under EU regulation 261/2004, you may be entitled to compensation if your flight meets the following criteria:

• The flight was departing from an EU airport or arriving at an EU airport on an EU-based airline.
• The delay or cancellation was not caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather, security risks, or air traffic control strikes.
• The delay resulted in you arriving at your final destination more than 3 hours late.

Note: The amount of compensation you can claim depends on the length of the delay and the distance of your flight.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive?

According to the Denied Boarding Regulation, the compensation amounts are as follows:

1. For flights of 1,500 km or less: €250 (approximately £220) per passenger.
2. For intra-EU flights of more than 1,500 km and for all other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km: €400 (approximately £350) per passenger.
3. For all flights not falling under the above categories (i.e., over 3,500 km): €600 (approximately £530) per passenger.

It's important to note that the compensation amounts are fixed, and airlines cannot offer you less than these figures.

Steps to Claim Compensation

If your flight meets the criteria for compensation, here are the steps to take:

1. Document the Delay or Cancellation: Gather all relevant information, such as your flight details, the length of the delay, and any relevant communication from the airline.
2. File a Claim with the Airline: Contact the airline directly and submit a claim for compensation. Many airlines have dedicated forms or processes for this.
3. Be Persistent: If the airline denies your claim or fails to respond within a reasonable timeframe, don't give up. You have the right to pursue the claim further.
4. Escalate to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Service: If the airline remains unresponsive or unwilling to pay the compensation, you can escalate the matter to an ADR service, such as the Civil Aviation Authority's ADR scheme.
5. Consider Legal Action: As a last resort, you may need to take the airline to court to recover the compensation you're owed. This should be a consideration if the airline continues to refuse to pay.

Additional Tips for Successful Compensation Claims

Here are some additional tips to help increase your chances of successfully claiming compensation:

• Act Promptly: File your claim as soon as possible, as there is a time limit of 6 years in England and Wales, 5 years in Scotland, and 3 years in Northern Ireland.
• Gather Evidence: Collect any receipts, boarding passes, or other documentation that can support your claim.
• Be Polite but Firm: When communicating with the airline, remain professional and persistent in your request for compensation.
• Familiarize Yourself with the Regulations: Understand the specifics of the Denied Boarding Regulation and your rights as a passenger.

By knowing your rights and following the proper steps, you can increase your chances of successfully claiming compensation for delayed or cancelled flights in the UK.